During the final years of the 1980s, I was beginning a budget travel adventure to Europe with a companion. Because my companion was exploring starting a postgraduate program in NYC, we had arranged a two-week stay there before heading to London.
We got to the student accommodation, a sizeable ten-floor structure on the Upper West Side called International House. After dropping our bags, we made our way to the cafeteria, where we got some food, sat down, and started talking to other diners.
Adjacent to my seat was an Iraqi man studying engineering at Columbia University. He wanted to know what I my profession was, and I explained that I had newly finished with a scientific background and had been performing experiments involving microscopic analysis.
He mentioned that there was an microscopy facility at the university – right next door to the school of engineering, which was how he knew about it. He suggested that I consider applying for a position with them. I dismissed the idea, explaining that I was about to fly to Europe and, even more importantly, I lacked a US visa.
The following day I went out exploring, coming back to the dining hall that night. The engineering student walked over to me and informed me that he had organized a discussion for me with the director of the microscopy lab at Columbia. Because he had made the arrangement, I showed up for the discussion – but right away explained to my interviewer that I lacked the necessary visa, so I was likely not a suitable candidate.
Reflecting the city's spirit – a city where everything seems achievable – she said: “That can be arranged. What's your start date?” I never got on that flight to London.
I held that position for 36 months. A perk of the job was that I got complimentary education at Columbia, and I took advantage to earn a postgrad program in international relations.
I never saw that student again and I am unaware of his full name, but his remarkable generosity changed my life in so many ways. I would never have had the confidence or self-assurance to contact anyone at an Ivy League university and seek a position. Additionally, I had long dreamed to study abroad, but wouldn't have been able to pay for it without that educational benefit.
What's more, that job in New York paved the way for a job in Zurich where I met my wonderful partner, with whom I now have four wonderful sons and daughters. This was a pivotal life event. That kind stranger set me on a different course in life, and I’m eternally thankful.
Can you recall the Most Generous Act a Unknown Person Has Once Performed for You?
From cheering you up to changing your life, we would love to know unexpected interactions that have left a lasting impression.
Please share your story if you are an adult, without revealing your identity if you choose. Your responses are confidential, and are intended for the purpose of this feature.
